Teaching unions offer support to Bradford members after stabbing

Teaching unions have offered support to their members at Dixons Kings Academy in Bradford following the stabbing of a teacher yesterday.

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an attack in the school, when a 50-year-old male teacher received a single stab wound to the stomach. He is said to be in a stable condition and his injury is not believed to be life-threatening.

ATL general secretary Mary Bousted said: “I am shocked and incredibly sad to hear that a teacher has been stabbed at a school in the UK – Dixons Kings Academy in Bradford.

“Our best wishes are with the teacher, his friends and work colleagues, and the pupils at the school.

“Thousands of dedicated teachers are working in schools and colleges with our children and young people every day, and they should never have to face verbal or physical violence. Thankfully today’s events are extremely rare and schools are usually safe places for children and adults.

“When we learn more about the circumstances, it may be that there are lessons to be learned, but for now, the teacher and his family, the pupils, staff and their families need our support.”

NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates said: “This is a shocking and distressing event and our thoughts are with the teacher concerned, their family, and staff, pupils and whole school community at Dixons Kings Academy.

“It is important to remember that occurrences of violence such as this are extremely rare, but clearly, at the appropriate time, all of the circumstances of how this incident unfolded will need to be examined.

“However, the priority for now for the school is to support pupils and staff who have been caught up in this incident.

“The NASUWT will be contacting our members at the school and the headteacher to offer whatever support they and pupils need.”